5 ways to attract and engage millennials

01/06/17

According to the Pew Research Center, millennials are now the largest generation within the US workforce – and that trend is likely to hit the UK in the not-too-distant future. Having taken this claim to fame from the baby-boomers, millennials are proving they’re a smart, resourceful, team-orientated bunch. They have a lot to offer businesses, along with a very clear idea of what they want from a work environment.

If businesses are going to innovate, keep up with their competitors and stay relevant in today’s climate, they need the skills and outlook of millennials. The IT landscape is evolving at a staggering pace and businesses must stay ahead – or at the least keep pace – with the latest developments and technologies. Given the right working environment, millennials are only happy to help.

So business owners, take note: we’re talking about a tech-savvy, multitasking, motivated generation. And whatever they lack in experience, they make up for in energy and productivity. But, as many in the IT industry have discovered, there’s more to finding and retaining the right millennial talent than meets the eye.
Here are some tips on how to ensure you have what it takes to attract millennials into your business – and keep them there.

Create a dynamic work culture

Once you understand what millennials want and need, you realise they aren’t as elusive as you once thought. Generally speaking, millennials want to work for a company that shares their values, that can demonstrate a clear CSR strategy, and that can offer a good work-life balance. If you can align your company culture to be in-tune with the millennial mindset, you have the best chance of keeping them engaged and motivated for longer.

Encourage creativity

There are certain qualities that every business owner wants to see in their employees – creativity, innovation and vision are just a few. Millennials have these qualities in abundance and are keen to work in an environment which allows its employees to think and work differently. There is much to be said for having a bunch of entrepreneurs working to a common goal. If they can make a positive impact within your business, your business will have a positive impact on the wider industry.

Text only, please

You might also want to think twice before calling a millennial during the recruitment process. This is a generation who claim texting as their favourite method of communication. Between 2008 and 2010, the average length of millennial’s phone calls dropped by around 1,200 minutes. This was counter-balanced by a rise in the number of text messages sent – from 600 to more than 1,400 every month. Big name companies such as JPMorgan Chase and Coca-Cola are even going as far as removing voicemail services. It’s something to think about, at least…

Instant feedback

The days of traditional performance reviews are gone. Today’s millennials want a more instant form of recognition for the work they do. Just as their beloved technology works in real time, so they want the feedback they receive to follow suit. Offering regular praise to employees will ensure you get the very best of what they have to offer.

Focus on collaboration and networking

Be sure to give millennial workers ample opportunity to collaborate, network and expand their communities. This is a generation motivated by purpose rather than money and, as a result, bonds within an organisation will be strong. Be clear about your business goals to ensure a common purpose – and offer plenty of social rewards, too.

Technology has defined this generation, but it’s their entrepreneurial spirit, ambition and ability to learn quickly that will make them an asset to any business. It is up to you to make sure you offer a workplace that lives up to the expectations of this go-getter generation. Give them the right opportunities and they will shine.